September 2023
Today is Bi+ Visibility Day, so we caught up with Tara Schorr from the Toronto Bi+ Network to talk about the organization, and the state of bisexuality. The most common…
Read MoreSeptember 2023
On September 14, 2000, Pussy Palace – a bathhouse event for women and trans folks – was getting into full swing. It was their fourth event in two years, where…
Read MoreJuly 2023
Existing in the stillness of Barbara Hall Park, amid the bustle of Toronto’s 2SLGBTQ+ Village, the AIDS Memorial has come to mean many things to many people. Opened in 1993,...
Read MoreMay 2023
Later this month, Marcy Rogers will be retiring from a 14-year stint behind the sandwich counter of Pusateri’s on Church Street. The Dora-nominated playwright has nourished countless people not just...
Read MoreDecember 2022
During her time at The 519, Mayumi has learned about the possibility and beauty of families of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and configurations. From parent to volunteer to now staff member, she is giving back in several ways.
Read MoreDecember 2022
The 519’s trans programs gave to Kirina what many trans folks need – community, healing, wisdom, and support. She also hopes for health care and related supports to be more trans-affirming.
Read MoreDecember 2022
Gloria is a familiar and friendly face at The 519. Be it volunteering in a program or at Green Space Festival, her vibrant spirit and willingness to give back to community always shine through.
Read MoreNovember 2022
Frank came to The 519 in 1991 as a youngster. Struggling at the intersections of a conservative faith and his sexual orientation, he yearned for community, love, acceptance, and affirmation....
Read MoreApril 2020
Kyle Scanlon Memorial Fund Impact Story
Sexual Assault Centre (SAC) of Brant, recipient of our Kyle Scanlon Memorial Fund, shares how they put their funding to use during the COVID-19 crisis. A cup of tea can…
Read MoreDecember 2019
Supporting LGBTQ2S Communities
“One thing we all have in common is the experience of being human – of having the dream to have a safe, fulfilling life. That for me is the point…
Read MoreDecember 2019
Impact Through Mentorship for Trans and Non-Binary Youth
An Interview with Delphi Araya – Coordinator, Trans Youth Mentorship Program The 519’s Trans Youth Mentorship Program (TYMP) provides meaningful skills and training to trans, two-spirit, non-binary, and gender diverse…
Read MoreDecember 2019
Impact Through Mentorship for Trans and Non-Binary Youth
Sofia knew that she identified as a girl from a very young age. But it took many years for her to come out as a trans woman. It was three…
Read MoreDecember 2019
Impact Through Supporting LGBTQ2S Adults
“Many of the older LGBTQ2S people fought for many of the freedoms we enjoy today. Let’s say a little thank you by supporting them.” An Interview with Moji Shirazi –…
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Impact Through Supporting LGBTQ Refugees
The emotional trauma of not being able to live a safe and authentic life with her partner in Jamaica was getting unbearable. So Chris made the difficult decision to leave…
Read MoreDecember 2019
Impact Through Supporting LGBTQ Refugees
Gloria arrived in Canada less than a year ago from Nigeria, fleeing persecution for being a queer woman. Despite the trauma she had endured, and the challenges she is currently…
Read MoreDecember 2019
Impact Through Supporting Older LGBTQ2S Adults
“I am happy that I can use my own lived experience and be a connecting point for a lot of older people.” In conversation with Jo Jefferson – LGBTQ2S Seniors…
Read MoreDecember 2019
Impact Through Supporting Older LGBTQ2S Adults
Lawrence happily calls himself a “Proud Gay Grampy.” Bob cherishes being raised by older drag queen mothers. They instantly connected as friends after being paired through The 519’s Pals Connect…
Read MoreOctober 2019
Impact Through Supporting LGBTQ Refugees
The first time Harvey* visited the Church-Wellesley neighbourhood, he felt overwhelmed, and left right away. He had spent his entire life in the closet, and the sight of rainbow flags…
Read MoreAugust 2019
Impact Through Youth Engagement
Teddy felt isolated after coming out. All that changed when they found community and explored opportunities for their artistic expression. For Teddy, school was difficult, especially after coming out as...
Read MoreJuly 2019
Impact Through Community Support
Carol came out to her parents when she was 42 years old. Now 75, she continues to seek safe spaces where she can be herself without fear of exclusion. She…
Read MoreDecember 2018
Supporting Trans People of Colour
Evana Ortigoza comes in every Tuesday to participate in the Trans People of Colour (TPOC) project at The 519 as a peer leader. But her relationship with us spans two…
Read MoreDecember 2018
Supporting LGBTQ refugees
He came to Canada as a student to learn English. He stayed in Canada as an LGBTQ refugee to live a life free of discrimination. Luis couldn’t speak a single…
Read MoreJune 2018
Supporting LGBTQ Refugees in Canada
Deborah identifies as a black lesbian feminist with a resolve developed over a long journey of self-discovery that led to her claiming refuge in Canada. Deborah came to Canada as…
Read MoreMarch 2018
Giving Back The Support
A newcomer, refugee claimant, and a volunteer at The 519, Justin has been keeping busy in his first year in Canada. If Justin is not at The 519 to attend…
Read MoreJanuary 2018
Drop-in on a Sunday
Sunday Drop-In is our weekly food program that offers a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ2S people of all ages who may be experiencing poverty, homelessness, underhousing or social isolation. The LGBTQ2S…
Read MoreOctober 2017
Changing The Legacy
A previous program participant of our refugee program, Among Friends, and now a staff member at The 519, Sebastian decided to initiate an advocacy group called Canadian Legacy Refugee Advocacy and…
Read MoreSeptember 2017
Fay & Fluffy's Storytime: Reading is FUNdamental – with The 519
Reading stories to children is amazing. Reading stories that depict diversity of families, ethnicities, gender identities and expressions is even more amazing. And when you have two drag performance artists…
Read MoreJune 2017
Let's Talk About The World
Pride is a time for great celebrations, but it is also a time for greater deliberation and dialogues. Through the series of human rights panels The 519 hosted or co-hosted this…
Read MoreJune 2017
Supporting LGBTQ Refugees in Canada
A refugee claimant from Eastern Europe, Alex is an active member of The 519’s Among Friends program, which offers information sessions and events on subjects relevant to the claims process, and inclusive…
Read MoreSeptember 2023
From the Village: Toronto Bi+ Network's Tara Schorr on Bi+ Visibility Day
From the Village: Chanelle Gallant on the 23rd anniversary of the Pussy Palace raid.
July 2023
From The Village: Patrick Fahn, AIDS Memorial Architect
May 2023
December 2022
Mayumi: The More We Are Together, The Happier We’ll Be
Kirina: Transitioning Every Day, in Every Way
November 2022
Frank: Better When He's Dancing
April 2020
December 2019
Trauma-Informed Services for LGBTQ2S Communities
Mentoring Trans and Non-binary Youth
Gratitude for Older LGBTQ2S Adults
October 2019
Out of the Closets, Into the Streets
August 2019
July 2019